Unhealthy gums can cause minor dental problems, with limited bleeding and receding gums, but it can also become severe, increasing the risk of losing all or some of your teeth.
By understanding its causes and problems, and learning how to prevent gum disease, you can maintain good oral health.
Many adults in the United States have some form of gum disease, known as periodontal disease, according to the National Institute of Health.
Inflammation of the gums damages its soft tissues, and if it progresses too far, it can damage your teeth and, later yet, even the bones in the jaw.
How Does Gum Disease Get Started? The main cause of periodontal disease is bacteria.
Every person's mouth contains bacteria.
In normal amounts, the immune system can control it effectively.
When it is able to grow and flourish, however, bacteria creates a sticky plaque on the surface of the teeth.
The plaque hardens when it is not brushed away.
This build-up of plaque damages the soft tissues of the mouth.
Eventually, the bacterium is able to reach under the gum line and attack the bone structure of the teeth.
The risk factors for developing a gum disease, or periodontal disease, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, includes the following:

1. Some medications can reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth.
   Saliva helps to wash away bacteria, so without its presence, bacteria can grow significantly faster.
   
2. People experiencing dry mouth symptoms, for similar reasons, also have a higher risk profile.
   People who smoke are at a higher risk for developing gum disease.
   
3. Those who suffer from diabetes are also at a higher risk because they are more prone to developing infections.
   
4. Some people are more susceptible because of their inherited, or genetic, makeup.
   

The largest risk factor for getting periodontal disease may be using less than ideal oral hygiene skills or tools.
This can be good news for most people because it means they have direct control over the source of the problem, so it can be remedied.
You can control bacteria, by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and using a mouth rinse after brushing.
A diet rich in nutritious food is also helpful.
How to Avoid Gum Disease The most effective way to manage periodontal disease is using good prevention habits.
Your personal habits for oral hygiene should include:

1. Brush your teeth after each meal or snack, or at least twice a day.
   
2. Use a reputable toothpaste, your dentist may recommend one with or without either sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or fluoride, depending on your needs.
   
3. Floss between your teeth and gums regularly, so debris is removed around the gum line.
   
4. Visit your dentist every six months for a thorough teeth and gum cleaning.
   
5. Avoid smoking cigarettes.
   

Periodontal disease is something you want to avoid, since it impacts your oral health now, and in the future.
With a few daily routines, you can prevent its annoying and serious oral health problems.